T.J. Maxx store moves into last mall vacancy, aims to fill void left by Younkers, Shopko

STURGEON BAY - Clothing and home goods store T.J. Maxx is coming to Sturgeon Bay in October, aiming to fill the gap in affordable, large-scale shopping in Door County.

Last summer, Younkers left downtown Sturgeon Bay. A couple weeks ago, Sister Bay's Shopko shutdown, leaving Door County residents with only Walmart, Target and local boutiques as options for home and clothing products.

The more than 21,000 square foot space formerly held Door County Medical Center's rehab facility. They moved a few doors down to the mall's opposite side.

According to Helen Bacon, chair of Sturgeon Bay's Finance/Purchasing and Building committee, T.J. Maxx took out building permits last month, and work will be in full swing next week.

"When Younkers left, I heard from almost every working business woman say ‘Where am I going to get my work clothes? Where am I going to get my shoes?’ Online buying can only go so far," Bacon said. "T.J. Maxx will have a wide variety. People are really looking forward to it."

She predicts T.J. Maxx functioning well within the local economy. She said the mall's new owners have worked hard to update its facade, and with all the spaces filled after welcoming T.J. Maxx, it will benefit year-round residents and visitors alike.

While the fate of Sister Bay's empty Shopko location is unknown, what was formerly Younkers Home Store on Sturgeon Bay's Fourth Avenue has a bright future. Bacon said the space will hold Door County archives, giving them a climate-controlled space outside the old house where they currently reside.

Bacon said the city is looking at possibilities for the future of vacant spaces that formerly held Younkers' clothing and Nicolet Bank.